[Hiddigeigei]

The government took land from the settlers (farmers) to give to the railroad companies in the 1800s. If I remember my history correctly, the government gave the companies miles on either side of the tracks.

[SoCal Pubbie]

At least in that case the railroads were considered “public” transportation routes, like highways. They are highly regulated and almost like public utilities. It can be argued that railroads provide a vital public service.

The Kelo decision means that government can force you to sell your home so that a private yacht club or golf course can be built. The justification is that more tax revenues can be raised. It was criminal, IMHO.

[ridesthemiles]

If I remember my history correctly, the government gave the companies miles on either side of the tracks.””’

The railroads got sections of land, in a checkerboard manner, so that settlers could have places to grow. Settlers could also buy land from the railroad.

Pushing the railroad had a multi-useful ending. People & businesses went west. Cattle were trucked east to larger markets.

Of course, the cattle had to be driven to the railheads from the ranches first, & that is the basis for the TV series “Rawhide”.